Botswana: Botswana Police Service representatives have organized a meeting with the members of the Mmathethe community. The Botswana Police Service had invited residents of Mmathethe to participate in a workshop focused on child parenting.
The workshop was hosted under the theme, “๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ก๐ฒ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฐ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐, ๐๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐๐ซ๐ง.”
During the workshop, the organizers urged the people of the create an environment that would allow their children to feel comfortable in expressing thoughts and concerns. The relationship between parents and their children is one of the defining factors of the childrenโs lives.
Detective Superintendent Thalinah Sethatho of No. 4 Police District (Lobatse) presided over the workshop. He made the remarks at a Gender Based Violence (GBV) workshop held at Mmathethe Kgotla on Tuesday.
Detective Superintendent Sethatho said that by expressing thoughts and concerns, children become more in tune with their own needs. They can understand their desires and boundaries, which is important for self-awareness and self-advocacy as they grow.
She told the residents that there are instances where the Police handle cases involving children as either victims or perpetrators. Sethatho added that the cases include rape, defilement, neglect of children and assaults amongst others.
She highlighted that Botswana Police Service (BPS) has established Child Friendly Centres across the country. The aim of this gesture was to guarantee prompt response, proper investigations and ensuring that Standard Operating Procedures are followed when handling GBV matters.
Sethatho implored the residents to refrain from concealing GBV incidents saying unreported cases could lead to more severe situations.
Headman of Records, Reuben Mosala applauded BPS for their effort in organising the workshop. He delivered the welcome remarks at the workshop for the parents and children.
He said it came at a time when some parents raise children in a manner that has the potential of ruining their future. Kgosi Mosala urged the residents to collaborate with the Police adding that a Mophato has been formed to assist in fighting crime in the area.
Giving vote of thanks, Kgosi Isaac Keipeile of Metlobo village applauded the Police and said the same should be extended to other villages.
The workshop was geared towards discussing and sharing information with residents on child parenting.